Uploaded June 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
This Burlington House Lunchtime Scientist talk is with Willie Wilson, a Marine Virologist specialising in algal viruses which he describes as “lubricants of the great engines of planetary control”
The Royal Astronomical Society is collaborating with the Linnean Society to present a series of informal, one-hour astrobiology-focussed events, with a talk and a 20-30 minute Q&A. We have asked our speakers to share their field of science and the path they took to get there tailored for GCSE and A Level science students. Most importantly, we want to make sure that we give students ample time to ask their questions.
About the speaker:
Professor Willie Wilson is a Marine Virologist specialising in algal viruses. He is Director of the Marine Biological Association (MBA), a Learned Society of scientists and members in 35 countries, across 5 continents. MBA has Royal Charter status for its world-leading role in marine biology research, and since 1884 it has worked as the voice for the ocean carried out from its prestigious laboratory HQ in Plymouth UK. Willie’s personal research interests focus on the multiple roles of marine viruses, which he describes as “lubricants of the great engines of planetary control”. He brings expertise in revealing the interactions between viruses and phytoplankton with an emphasis on understanding the genetic basis of virus infections and their ecological and evolutionary consequences for ocean life. In short, why viruses are essential for life, as we know it! In preparation for this presentation, Willie poses a philosophical question: “If viruses are instrumental for evolution of life on earth, then why not other planets?” Willie’s research has contributed to over 130 publications. His favourite sport is curling and spends a lot of time hiking on Dartmoor (though not at the same time!).
This Burlington House Lunchtime Scientist talk is with Willie Wilson, a Marine Virologist specialising in algal viruses which he describes as “lubricants of the great engines of planetary control”
The Royal Astronomical Society is collaborating with the Linnean Society to present a series of informal, one-hour astrobiology-focussed events, with a talk and a 20-30 minute Q&A. We have asked our speakers to share their field of science and the path they took to get there tailored for GCSE and A Level science students. Most importantly, we want to make sure that we give students ample time to ask their questions.
About the speaker:
Professor Willie Wilson is a Marine Virologist specialising in algal viruses. He is Director of the Marine Biological Association (MBA), a Learned Society of scientists and members in 35 countries, across 5 continents. MBA has Royal Charter status for its world-leading role in marine biology research, and since 1884 it has worked as the voice for the ocean carried out from its prestigious laboratory HQ in Plymouth UK. Willie’s personal research interests focus on the multiple roles of marine viruses, which he describes as “lubricants of the great engines of planetary control”. He brings expertise in revealing the interactions between viruses and phytoplankton with an emphasis on understanding the genetic basis of virus infections and their ecological and evolutionary consequences for ocean life. In short, why viruses are essential for life, as we know it! In preparation for this presentation, Willie poses a philosophical question: “If viruses are instrumental for evolution of life on earth, then why not other planets?” Willie’s research has contributed to over 130 publications. His favourite sport is curling and spends a lot of time hiking on Dartmoor (though not at the same time!).
